Helping people to register with a GP after Wenlock Surgery closure

Over 3,500 patients from Wenlock Street Surgery in Luton have already registered with a new GP in the first two weeks following its closure.

But 99 people – representing less than 3% of the practice’s patients – have not yet responded to the invitation to register with a new practice, and they are now being encouraged to come forward to complete the formality of doing so before they fall ill and need care from a practice team.Wenlock Street Surgery closed at short notice on 28 July following the resignation of Dr Isam Saleh from his contract to run the practice.  Patients were invited to sign up with a new surgery, following extensive work undertaken by the ICB to ensure that patients were not left without the services of a general practice. Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“We have worked closely with local GP practices in Luton, which have agreed to accept patients from Wenlock Street Surgery.“Most patients have already completed the transfer process to a new practice, and we have received some positive feedback from those who have registered elsewhere, but a small number have yet to do so.  If this applies to you, I would urge you to finalise your move to your new surgery now, as it will be much easier to do so when you are not in need of care services.“You will have received a letter from us, giving details of your new practice and the process you need to follow to complete your transfer.  However, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you require this information in another language or a different format, please email blmkicb.contactus@nhs.net.”

The ICB will send additional letters next week to those who have yet to register, to offer further support in helping them to find a new practice.